PERRY, Ga. — Wednesday’s shooting at Fort Stewart has brought renewed focus to the mental health challenges faced by soldiers and veterans during and after their service.

Alonzo Sirmans, an Army veteran with 12 years of service, knows these struggles firsthand.

“One bad choice can ruin your life," Sirmans said. “Back in those days mental health was not necessarily a brand, if you would. It wasn't a thing."

Sirmans said that it took him considerable time to identify and manage the triggers affecting his mental well-being.

“I have to be careful what situations that I know would trigger me and to avoid those things,” said Sirmans.

The support he found through Veterans Affairs (VA) services was life-changing.

“There are phenomenal counselors and group classes with other fellow veterans

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